Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber.
Median pay: $48,540/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -2.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 2,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.
• Clean, adjust, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
• Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps and conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.
• Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.
• Notify supervisors of needed repairs.
• Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products at specified intervals to ensure conformance to requirements.
• Record data from operations, testing, and production on specified forms.
• Reject defective products and readjust equipment to eliminate problems.
What's the median pay for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
The median pay for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is $48,540 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Employment for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to change -2.5% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
About 2,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.